Aitor Karanka’s side continued their winning streak against Manchester’s Premier League juggernauts to book their place in the Capital One Cup quarter finals.

After holding Manchester United to a goalless draw over 120 minutes, Gibson and co then held their nerve from 12 yards to win 3-1 on penalties, with the 22-year-old centre-back among those successful from the spot.

And Gibson admits the dramatic nature of the win at Old Trafford means it felt even sweeter than the 2-0 FA Cup win at City back in January.

Ben Gibson celebrates with Kike and Adam Clayton after the win at Man City (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)

“They’re both massive clubs but Old Trafford is iconic,” Gibson said, when asked which achievement was the greatest.

“To go through in extra time, keep a clean sheet over 120 minutes and win on penalties is what dreams are made of. It’s unthinkable.

“It’s a night that you’ll remember forever - as a club, as a town, as a player.

“We went to Old Trafford as a Championship team and turned them over - it will live long in the memory.”

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Roared on by a travelling support of more than 10,000, Boro looked the part at Old Trafford and had chances to win the game in normal time - with George Friend, Stewart Downing and Grant Leadbitter all coming close.

But with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial deployed off the bench for Louis Van Gaal’s side, Boro’s defenders had to overcome physical and mental fatigue as Man United pushed forward in extra time.

But how hard was it for Gibson and his teammates to dig in for another 30 minutes?

“When you’ve got 10,000 fans at Old Trafford screaming for you after making the effort to come all the way from Middlesbrough, it’s actually quite easy,” Gibson said.